Half Day Cycling Tour ( Manual Bike )

A Closer Look at the Half Day Cycling Tour in Ubud

If you’re after a way to explore Bali beyond its temples and beaches, this half-day cycling tour offers a refreshing, authentic peek into the island’s lush landscapes and local villages. Designed with ease and accessibility in mind, it’s perfect for those who enjoy gentle rides and cultural insights but aren’t avid bikers. We love how the tour combines scenic views, local life, and delicious food, all in a manageable 7-8 hour window.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour is mostly downhill, making it a relaxed ride—great for most fitness levels but possibly less ideal if you’re looking for a high-adrenaline adventure. Also, while the route can be changed by the guide, and transport times vary depending on your hotel location, it’s generally a comfortable and well-organized experience. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a taste of Bali’s rural charm with some light physical activity and cultural exposure.

Key Points
– Easy, mostly downhill cycling makes it accessible for all ages and fitness levels
– Includes round-trip hotel transfers, so no hassle with logistics
– Authentic stops such as a Balinese house, village temple, rice paddies, and coffee plantation
– Delicious included meals—a breakfast at the start and a rice-field lunch
– Knowledgeable guides like Yoga, Darma, and Ben, who share local insights and keep everyone safe
– Good value for money with food, transportation, insurance, and bike gear covered

What to Expect from the Bali Cycling Experience

This tour, operated by Greenbike Adventure, provides a well-rounded taste of Bali’s countryside with a mix of scenic views, cultural stops, and leisurely riding. Starting early at 7:00 am, you’ll be picked up from your hotel—whether you’re staying in Ubud or nearby areas like Seminyak or Kuta, it’s about a two-hour drive. The journey begins in Abuan village, at the village of Kintamani, with a quick coffee stop in Tegallalang. Here, you’ll get your first glimpse of Bali’s iconic rice terraces and coffee plantations, perfect for snapping some photos or just soaking in the scenery.

Once you arrive in Abuan, the guide will brief everyone on safety, with helmets and water provided. The first stop is the Balinese house, a local home that offers a window into traditional family life. Here, you’ll spend about 45 minutes, learning about local architecture and daily routines—something reviewers have highlighted as a real highlight. Your guides, like Yoga or Darma, are praised for their friendly, informative approach, often enriching the experience with stories and cultural context.

The ride then continues through Taro Village, where you’ll take a coffee break in a palm tree garden. This is not just about the scenery but also about experiencing local flavor—many reviewers have enjoyed the chance to taste fresh coffee or banana pancakes during this stop. The route then takes you through Bresela rice fields, where you’ll see how Bali’s iconic water irrigation system functions, and observe the meticulous process of rice cultivation.

The final stretch concludes in Payangan, from where you’ll head to Greenkubu Restaurant for a hearty lunch in the midst of rice paddies. The included meal is a major plus, often praised for its quality and setting—many reviewers describe the food as first-rate and the scenery stunning. After lunch, the tour wraps up with a short ride to the finish point in Klusa Payangan and the return transfer back to your hotel.

The Riding Experience: What Makes It Special

Most riders find the cycling component to be the highlight, thanks to the mostly downhill course, which makes it accessible and relaxing. Multiple reviews emphasize how easy and enjoyable the ride is, with one reviewer noting, “It’s very easy ride mostly downhill—I’m 77 and biked 7,900 miles last year, and I still loved it.” The roads are good at the start, but some off-road sections and gentle climbs might occur, especially in the rural parts, adding a dash of adventure.

What truly sets this tour apart is the authentic interaction with local Bali culture. Visiting a Balinese house, observing rice irrigation, and stopping at a coffee plantation aren’t just sightseeing—they’re immersive moments that give you real insight into Balinese life. Many travelers highlight that guides like Yoga and Darma go above and beyond to make the day informative and fun, sharing anecdotes and answering questions.

The included meals are also a valued part of the experience. The breakfast, usually at the base, and the rice paddy lunch are often described as delicious and satisfying, with some reviewers mentioning that the breakfast is served before heading into the hills, and the buffet lunch offers a great variety. These meals, served in scenic locations, add a sense of luxury and convenience, especially considering the value at just $33 per person.

Transportation & Logistics: What Travelers Need to Know

Pickup from your hotel is included, which is a big plus, sparing you the hassle of finding a meeting point. The tour departs at 7:00 am, so early risers will get the benefit of cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Be aware that if your hotel is outside Ubud, like in Seminyak or Kuta, it might take around two hours to reach the starting point—something to consider if you prefer a more relaxed morning.

The tour is limited to 20 travelers, which keeps the group manageable and allows guides to give personalized attention. The bikes are modern and well-maintained, and helmets are provided, emphasizing safety and comfort. The entire experience from pickup to return is about 7-8 hours, including travel, stops, and meals—making it a full but manageable day of sightseeing.

What the Reviews Say

The overwhelmingly positive feedback highlights the quality of guides and the scenic beauty. Craig M, for example, called the ride “super easy” and recommended it for all ages, while William G and Dougie M appreciated the downhill terrain and the friendly guidance, especially noting the professionalism of guides like Ben and Yoga.

Other reviews point out the cultural richness—visiting villages, local homes, and temples—making the ride more meaningful. Many travelers mention how the stops for coffee, rice paddies, and traditional houses add depth to the day, turning a simple bike ride into a full culture.

A few critical notes do come up. Taneha S mentioned that the activity isn’t with electric bikes as advertised, and that the route can be changed unexpectedly, extending the duration. The transport vehicles, according to some reviews, are small and in poor condition, and the initial transfer time can be lengthy depending on your hotel location. However, these seem to be minor inconveniences compared to the overall value and enjoyment.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This half-day cycling adventure is ideal for travelers looking to combine light physical activity with genuine cultural experiences in Bali. It suits those who want a scenic, relaxed ride and enjoy learning about local life—without the demanding fitness requirements of more intense biking tours. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find it accessible and rewarding.

The inclusion of meals, water, safety gear, and hotel transfers makes this a comprehensive, hassle-free way to see Bali’s countryside. It offers excellent value for money, especially considering the quality of guides, the authentic stops, and the scenic landscapes.

If you’re seeking an immersive day that balances leisurely cycling with cultural insights and delicious food, this tour delivers. Just be prepared for a mostly downhill ride, some rural roads, and an early start—those are small trade-offs for such a well-curated experience.

FAQ

Is the cycling ride suitable for beginners?
Yes, most travelers find the ride to be very manageable, thanks to the mostly downhill course and good road conditions. The tour is designed to be relaxed and accessible.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes suitable for biking, sun protection, and sunglasses. Water bottles are provided, but it’s a good idea to carry some extra water if you tend to hydrate often.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience, including pickup, riding, stops, meals, and return, lasts about 7-8 hours.

Are the bikes electric?
No, the bikes are manual. While some reviews mention this, the ride remains easy due to the downhill nature of the route.

What’s included in the price?
Bikes, helmets, bottled water, snacks, breakfast, lunch, transportation, and insurance are all included.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time.

What if I’m staying outside Ubud?
It will take about two hours for pickup if you’re in areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Sanur, or Nusa Dua.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, many reviews mention it as a great activity for families, especially since it’s mostly downhill and easy to ride.

What kind of guides will I have?
Guides like Yoga, Darma, and Ben are praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, ensuring both safety and cultural engagement.

This Bali cycling tour strikes a great balance between scenic beauty, cultural encounters, and ease of riding. It’s perfect for those wanting to see more of Bali’s countryside without strenuous effort, all while enjoying authentic experiences and delicious meals.